PSC271 Crop Agronomy (8)

This subject deals with the management of broadacre field crops in southern Australia. The subject will deal with topics such as yield parameters, climate and crop adaptation, crop rotations, crop nutrition weed and fertiliser management, tillage and stubble management and current issues in crop production. In addition, critical aspects of the agronomy of the main field crops of southern Australia are covered. This subject is presented in a way that will encourage students to, conduct and interpret experiments, develop computer skills, use decision support systems, and be able to relate to 'onfarm' management issues.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSC271. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

AGS107, PSC415 and PSC202

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the important management strategies in field crops
  • be able to explain the role of climatic, edaphic and management factors that influence the distribution of crop species
  • be able to recommend basic strategies for the management of common field crops in southern Australia
  • be able to apply the principles that influence crop rotations to a range of diverse cropping systems
  • be able to use basic principles and decision support tools to calculate and recommend fertiliser strategies for winter crops
  • have developed skills in the assessment of crop development by routine application of current developmental scales
  • be able to apply basic principles of precision agriculture
  • have developed skills in the use of crop monitoring systems in crop management

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Evolution of wheat production systems in southern Australia
  • Strategies and tactics for Australian field crops
  • Crop Establishment and Management
  • Tillage systems and stubble management
  • Crop rotations
  • Crop nutrition
  • Sub-soil constraints and crop production
  • Weed Management issues
  • Agronomy of major winter field crops
  • Topics in precison agriculture
  • Current issues in crop production

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of PSC271 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Fact sheets
15
2
Plant competition experiment
15
3
Practical exam
30
4
Final exam
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school provides a hands on approach to the theory taught. It involves, lectures and tutorials with hands on practicals.

Special Resources

Residential School is required for DE mode.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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